Stephens' Stories: Steamboat Trip

Last week, from Wednesday through Sunday, my mom and Stacy rented a house in Steamboat Springs. Lauren and Stephen and Ricki came up for the family vacation. The house was a 4 bedroom town home (5 stories - read: lots of stairs for Austin to conquer) that could have potentially slept 14 people. It was an awesome house - fully stocked with all the necessary kitchen supplies, a new hot tub on the porch, 3 or 4 balconies off of each bedroom, TV's, internet, and even a Wii. Savannah was even allowed to come. DiDi, Lauren, Austin and I rode in one car from Denver and David and Savannah rode in another car. We made a stop for lunch on the way in Idaho Springs at Two Brothers Deli and then headed over Berthoud Pass and on to Steamboat. Stacy, Ricki, and Stephen flew into Denver and rented a car to drive to Steamboat. We made a grocery store trip soon after we arrived bought burger fixings for that night.

On Thursday, right after Austin woke up, I went for a run from the house around the mountain neighborhood (STEEP HILLS!). We all went to eat an early lunch/brunch at Freshies, one of our favorite places in Steamboat. They have the BEST chocolate chip cookies. The bedroom that David and I slept in at the house had a large closet - so, ta-da, the closet became a baby room. Austin's pac 'n play went in there (with the door open, of course) and he slept great. We even had a small fan to make white noise for when we snuck into the room after he was asleep. Stacy and David played golf on Thursday afternoon. Ricki and Stephen volunteered to stay with Austin while he napped so that Lauren, mom and I could rent bikes. We rode about 15 miles on the path along the Yampa river. It runs along the river which is right next to the main road through town. Ricki made a wonderful pasta dinner that night and Stephen so kindly did the dishes. We even played a riveting game of Trivial Pursuit - girls vs guys, and the girls won! Now that is a true family night on a family vacation.

On Friday morning, David, Lauren, Savannah and I went hiking on the Fish Creek Falls trail. It was about 2.5 miles each way. The hike started at the lower falls and went up to the upper falls. David and I had done this hike 2 years ago when we went to Steamboat over the 4th of July. While we were hiking, my mom and Stacy took Austin in the stroller on a long walk. We then met them and Stephen and Ricki in town for lunch at a sandwich shop. We shopped around a bit at the stores after lunch before heading back to the house for Austin's nap. That night, Stephen and Ricki went out to dinner alone and Mom/Stacy went out to dinner alone. Lauren tagged along (just kidding, Lauren) with David, Austin and me. We went to get pizza at a kid-friendly place in town.

On Saturday morning, my mom and Lauren took Austin in the stroller while I ran on the main trail along the river all the way to town. We shopped around in town for Steamboat T-shirts afterwards. Lauren, Ricki and Stephen rode the gondola to the top of the ski mountain that afternoon while my mom and I took Austin back to the house to nap. Stacy and David played golf again that morning. We enjoyed an afternoon hot tub dip as well, with a beer in hand. Not a bad life. :) David and I were in charge of dinner that night so we grilled steaks, corn on the cob and tilapia. We also had salad and fresh snapped green beans.

On Sunday morning, we unfortunately had to get on the road back to Denver so that they could catch a flight. This "they" included David because he flew to Houston on the same flight to start his job at Aon on Monday. I headed home to be a single mom for a couple of weeks. Thankfully, I only had 3 days of work while being a single mom. Today was my last day of work at Archstone. David is enjoying his new job and comes back Friday night until Sunday afternoon. We have ALOT of cleaning out and packing to do. I hope Austin and I can squeeze in some fun Colorado things in the midst of packing before we move.

It was a wonderful last Colorado vacation. We will be back, I am sure, but it was nice to get away with my family one last time before we move. Thanks, mom and Stacy!